The joint sand is touted as a miracle cure for weeds in the joints between the paving stones. But can you use it to get rid of weeds from the paving stones forever? Which grit should you use? And how is joint sand used correctly to combat weeds? We answer the most important questions.
Why does joint sand work so well against weeds?
Admittedly, pulling weeds is a tedious task. Home remedies like vinegar and salt work well, but are harmful to garden soil. Chemical weed killers canLeave stains on paving stonesand should be used with caution in the garden.
1. Quick and laborious method of weed control
Joint sand offers a tedious and quick solution to problems. The mixture of fine quartz sand or granite and nutrient-poor materials is extremely hard and compacts optimally. It has a high pH value and, like desert sand, can inhibit plant growth. Weed seeds have no chance and cannot establish themselves there.
2. Permeable, ecologically harmless and with excellent compaction properties
Its fine grain makes it ideal for the narrow joints between the paving stones on the terrace or garden path. At the same time, the joint sand scores points with its excellent permeability - so rain and melted snow can flow away without any problems. It is also ecologically harmless, contains no harmful substances and has no effect on groundwater, garden soil and other plants in the garden.
3. Extremely easy to use, both on new and existing surfaces
Using the dry material is also extremely easy; the sand is simply swept into the joints. Thanks to its easy processing, the sand mixture is perfect for narrow and wide joints between concrete orNatural stone paving on the garden path, the patio and even the driveway under certain circumstances. It can be used both when laying surfaces and on existing floor coverings.
Which sand to use against weeds in the joints?
A nutrient-poor joint sand, which inhibits plant growth, proves to be optimal. The plants simply cannot root in the fine, round sand. The self-hardening variant can improve the stability of the floor covering and is particularly suitable for driveways or other surfaces that are rarely used. Conventional joint sand is more suitable for terraces and garden paths. This allows rainwater to drain away and allows the paving stones to expand at high temperatures.
When choosing the right sand quality, you should pay particular attention to the grain size. The rule of thumb applies: the narrower the joint, the finer the sand.
The Dansand joint sand is inspired by nature
In common parlance, joint sand and Dansand are often confused. Dansand is actually a product from a Danish company that mixes quartz sand and mineral additives. The edges of the single grains are rounded off by machine
Which is better: joint sand or quartz sand?
First of all: The joint sand is basically quartz sand to which stone powder and other minerals are added. The quartz sand can fill even narrow areas perfectly and can be swept in without much effort. In this respect, it is a good choice for the joints. But if you want to destroy weeds and inhibit growth, you should choose joint sand. Its high pH makes it impossible for plants to take root. In addition, the grains are also rounded, making it impossible for the seeds to germinate. Weeds simply cannot find hold in the joints and cannot grow there.
Self-hardening joint sand against weeds as an alternative to cement
In contrast to conventional joint sand, the self-hardening variant is used as an alternative to cement. It is still permeable, but can also be cleaned with a high-pressure cleaner. The application is similar, where you first wet the work surface and then sweep the sand into the joints. Finally, the sand is compacted with a jointing iron and then takes about 12 hours to harden. Temperatures should be between 10° and 20°, with the colder it is, the longer the curing time.
How to use joint sand correctly to combat weeds: instructions
1. Use: Only on dry paving stones that are laid on a water-permeable base layer and only outdoors. When it comes to bricks, clinker bricks and porous floor coverings, be sure to seek advice before purchasing. The processed area must not border on a base. The joint width can vary between 1.5 mm and 5 mm. The joints should be at least 45 mm deep.
2. Before installing, be sure to pull out any weeds that are already growing or destroy them without using herbicides and remove the plants and their roots. If the flooring has already been laid, clean and sweep the joints thoroughly.
3. First mix the material well so that the quartz sand mixes well with the minerals.
4. Then sweep the joint sand into the joints with a broom and fill them up little by little. Remove or sweep the excess material from the covering.
5. Compact the joints with a vibrating plate with a mounted rubber plate.
How often should joint sand be cleaned?
To prevent weeds from spreading again, you should regularly keep the joints free of soil and other organic materials such as autumn leaves, grass clippings and needles. These can usually be swept away with a firm broom. You can then sweep in the joint sand. How often you do this depends on various factors. In a wind andNatural stone paving on the garden pathyou rarely have to refill the joints. On the other hand, if you have a garden path that is exposed to strong wind, rain and snow, you will need to refill the joints more frequently.
Here you will findin a few other materials for grouting the paving stones.
